Existing law established and requires the Division of Occupational Safety and Health within the Department of Industrial Relations to enforce all occupational safety and health standards, as specified. Existing law establishes the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board within the department to promulgate and enforce occupational safety and health standards for the state. A violation of these standards and regulations under specific circumstances is a crime.
Until February 3, 2025, existing regulations promulgated by the board, in all areas of employment except as specified, prohibit an employer from preventing any employee from wearing a face covering, including a respirator, as specified, unless it would create a safety hazard. Existing regulations define various terms for purposes of this prohibition.
This bill would codify the regulations adopted by the board to prohibit an employer from preventing any employee from wearing a face covering, including a respirator, unless it would create a safety hazard, and would apply the bill's provisions to all places of employment, except as specified, including work locations with one employee who does not have contact with other persons. Consistent with the above-referenced regulations, the bill would define terms for purposes of these provisions.
Because a violation of the above-described prohibition constitutes a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.